U.S. Paratroopers and Defense League Parachute Jump Exercise Rescheduled

Eestlased Eestis | 22 Jul 2015 | EWR

Embassy of the U.S. and Estonian Defense League
Due to weather conditions, a parachute jump scheduled for today has been rescheduled for Thursday, 23 July, from 8am-12pm.

(Original press release) U.S. paratroopers currently training in Estonia and members of the Estonian Defense League will conduct a parachute jump exercise from Black Hawk UH60 helicopters. on 22 July 2015 at Nurmsi Airfield. Approximately 80 soldiers from Destined Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and 30 Kaitseliit members will take part in the jumps.

"The 173rd Airborne is here to train and conduct airborne operations with the Estonian Defense Forces, and we look forward to expand our cooperation with Estonia's military through this opportunity to jump with members of the Estonian Defense League — showing the world that the U.S. and Estonia stand together. Our ability to integrate into one force during airborne operations enhances our interoperability and strengthens Europe, overall," said Captain Matthew M. McCarthy, Destined Company Commander.

“Cooperation with allies is important to the Defense League. It helps us to get to know each other’s procedures and equipment,” said Estonian Defense League’s Major Mihkel Haug, who is coordinating the jump. “This is only one part of the exercise. We will also strengthen our cooperation; we will get to know each other’s techniques and methods, and we will synchronize our procedures about jumping and aerial activity.”

After the jumps are completed, those who participated will be presented with Foreign Jump Wings, respective to Estonia and the U.S. in a short wing exchange ceremony. This is a time honored military tradition that helps to build the bonds of friendship. Estonian Defense League members who jumped will receive U.S. jump wings, while 173rd’s Sky Soldiers will receive Estonian jump wings. Jump wings are a military badge awarded to members.

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